Defense attorneys in Arizona’s fake elector case call prosecutors politically motivated

Associated Press

PHOENIX (AP) — Attorneys representing Republicans accused of scheming to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential race in Arizona are arguing that a grand jury indictment against their clients was politically motivated. An Arizona judge is considering requests from at least a dozen people to dismiss charges of forgery, fraud and conspiracy. The hearing started Monday and resumes Wednesday with arguments from the prosecution. In all, 18 people were indicted. Two have resolved their cases. Those seeking a dismissal argue that Democratic state Attorney General Kris Mayes tried to use the charges to silence them for constitutionally protected free speech. Prosecutors say the defendants don’t have evidence to back up their retaliation claim.